The Swedish CV90120-T is a medium tank (as described by BAE Systems) developed on the highly successful Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) Infantry Fighting Vehicle hull.

During the 1990’s and early 2000’s, there was much deliberation over the future need of a Main Battle Tank in a modern army and the perceived requirement being light weight fire support vehicles with the firepower of an MBT.

The principle issues facing a medium tank design is the poor armor compared to that of an MBT and the ability to install a 120mm main gun due to the recoil forces whilst firing it.

The CV90120-T overcame these issues by installing various Active Protection Systems, camouflage/thermal signature reducing technology and a compact anti-tank gun.

CV90120-T Development

Prototypes

Early pictures and videos of the prototypes (based on Strf 9040 Mk0 hulls) showed it missing a Panoramic Sight and Smoke Grenade Launchers. Pictures also show the vehicle was used to trial a camouflage system of spraying a water mist to reduce the vehicles thermal signature. In some footage there appeared to be no Commanders Sight either.

Initial Production Model

The first version was unveiled in 1998. The vehicle had a Panoramic Sight located in the centre of the turret roof, the Commanders sight appeared to have been modified (or added) and x2 banks of SGL added on either side of the turret.

Upgraded With “Soft Kill” Active Protection

Based on a pictured BAE sales .pdf with detailed info, dated 2006, the vehicle featured a new “soft-kill” Active Protection System. This included x4 laser detection sensors (1 per corner of the turret) and new Smoke Grenade Launchers with Multi-Spectral Aerosol to mask against thermal sights etc built into the turrets side rear.

The Sighting systems had also changed. The previous Panoramic Sight was removed and replaced with the a new spherical device. This appears to not only provide radar detection but also includes sighting devices referred to as a Panoramic Sight.

Upgraded With “Hard Kill” AMAP-ADS Active Protection

In 2007, BAE Systems unveiled at the MSPO 2007 defence exhibit, a CV90120-T complete with the AMAP-ADS Hard Kill Active Protection System. Developed and supplied by Rheinmetal, AMAP-ADS is built-in Sweden by ADS – Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme mbH.

It is the most effective Hard Kill system due to reaction speed. The manufacturer states it protects against – Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), Handheld Anti-Tank weapons (including RPG-7), KE projectiles of all calibers, mid and large-caliber APFSDS.

Following this 2006 presentation, BAE presented the vehicle with a new Remote Weapon Station replacing the spherical device.

PL-01

Model Page: PL-01

A joint project between Polish company OBRUM and BAE, this new “Stealth” tank is based on the CV90120-T. It was unveiled at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in 2013.

CV90120-T ADAPTIV “Ghost”

Model Page: CV90120-T Ghost

The latest version of the CV90120-T features a new 120mm smoothbore main gun and the latest innovative camouflage armor technology.

CV90120-T Firepower

The CV90120-T main gun is the CTG 120/L50 (Compact Tank Gun) developed by RUAG. It is a 120mm smoothbore, calibre Length 50 with a rate of fire of 12 – 14 rds/min. It can fire all types of modern NATO ammunition. 12 rounds are kept ready in the turret bustle, with a further 33 stowed in the hull rear.

The CTG 120mm smoothbore features a thermal sleeve to regulate barrel temperature, central fume extractor to suck out all poisonous gases in the barell generated from firing and a muzzle break (the circular holes in the end of the barrel) to reduce its recoil. It is also fully stabilized for accurate firing on the move.

The CV90120-T has always had a digital Fire Control System as well as the Commander and Gunner each having a sight. Both sights have a thermal imaging channel, allowing it to engage targets in all-weather conditions, day or night.

Protection

The CV90120 has always remained as a demonstrator. Based on the Strf 9040, it is assumed that the hull is a Mk0. The new turret is constructed of steel and therefore has the same values as the Strf 9040.

That said, the side armor hull armor has changed over the years. NBC protection is available and other safety features include electrical turret drive, reducing the risk of fire (compared to hydraulic drives) if the armor is penetrated.

Additional Info

The vehicle has a 24 volt electrical system capable of powering communications and C4I equipment. The engine is an uprated 600kw (804hp) Scania Diesel. There are so far no operators of the CV90120-T in any of its models as listed above.

CV90120-T (2006) Specifications

Firepower
Main Gun	120mm CTG 120/L50 Smoothbore Elevation -8 to +22
Secondary Weapons	x1 coaxial 7.62mm MG
Ammunition Storage	x45 120mm, x? 7.62mm
Mobility
Engine	Scania DS? 804hp (600Kw) Diesel
Transmission	Perkins X300 Series x4 speed forward/x2 reverse
Top Road Speed	70 km/h
Road Range	600km+
Fuel Capacity	525 litres?
Vertical Obstacle	1m
Water Capability	1.4m
Trench Crossing	2.6m
Gradient	60%
Side Slope	40%
Dimensions
Length Gun Forward	8.9m
Length Hull	6.6m
Width	3.2m
Height	2.4m (Turret Roof)
Ground Clearance	0.4m
Weight	38,000kg aka 38 tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected	Yes
Armor Type	Steel/Passive Modular
Active Protection Systems	Yes
Crew
Commander	Yes
Gunner	Yes
Loader	Yes
Driver	Yes
Additional Crew	—
Troops Carried	n/a

See Also:

⦁ Main Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) Family Page
⦁ Strf 9040 Page
⦁ CV90105 TML Turret

References:

⦁ BAE Systems 2006 – CV90120-T Tank (04.06.LS.005.ID3107 .pdf Brochure)
⦁ http://www.rheinmetall-chempro.com/en/rhc/systeme_und_produkte/produktuebersicht/amap_ads/index.php